NYSDA Client Advisory Board to Discuss Public Defense Problems and Reform.

Panel on "Public Defense Representation from the Client's Point of View" is part of Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Legislative Weekend.

ALBANY, NY (02/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York State Defenders Association Client Advisory Board, including two people who were formerly incarcerated, will "describe current problems in the state's public defense system and what you can do to bring about change, build reform, and help develop client advisory boards."

Too often, those most affected by public defense problems are not included in discussions about fixing the problems. NYSDA's Advisory Board has helped change that. It has, among other things:

• created Client-Centered Representation Standards;

• worked with the Association on a series of hearings soliciting testimony from clients and client advocates concerning the quality of public defense in New York State; and

• initiated a project to assist local public defense offices that want to develop or reinvigorate a local client advisory board.

The panel discussion on Saturday is part of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus legislative weekend in Albany. Please join the Advisory Board on Saturday, February 13, 2010, in Meeting Room 3 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center at 3:00 pm.

Links:

  • Flyer about Event: http://www.scribd.com/doc/26734582/Caucus-Flyer-NYSDA-2010
  • Client-Centered Representation Standards: http://www.nysda.org/05_ClientCenteredStandards.pdf
  • Testimony from clients and client advocates: http://www.nysda.org/html/defense_services.html
  • Project to assist local public defense offices that want to develop or reinvigorate a local client advisory board (see pages 5-6): http://www.nysda.org/09_Sep-NovREPORT.pdf
  • Caucus weekend: http://www.nysabprl.com/Conf.Weekend.html